Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
07:10
Establishment of a Mouse Severe Acute Pancreatitis Model using Retrograde Injection of Sodium Taurocholate into the Biliopancreatic Duct
Published on: April 1, 2022
Exenatide-induced acute pancreatitis
Walaa A Ayoub1, Ashok A Kumar, Hossam S Naguib
1Department of Internal Medicine, Fairview General Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Health System, Westlake, Ohio 44145, USA. w_gabra@yahoo.com
Summary
Exenatide may cause acute pancreatitis in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. This case report thoroughly documents probable exenatide-induced pancreatitis, urging clinicians to consider this risk.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) management often involves incretin mimetics like exenatide.
- Acute pancreatitis is a serious potential adverse effect associated with certain diabetes medications.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old woman with NIDDM developed epigastric pain two days after initiating exenatide therapy.
- Laboratory results revealed elevated lipase and amylase levels, with CT scans confirming pancreatitis. Symptoms resolved after exenatide discontinuation.
Findings:
- This case presents the most comprehensive documentation of probable exenatide-induced pancreatitis to date.
- A critical review of previous reports indicates insufficient diagnostic criteria and confounding risk factors in many cases.
- The US Food and Drug Administration has noted 36 presumed cases, but lacked detailed patient data and imaging.
Implications:
- Exenatide should be considered a potential cause of acute pancreatitis in diabetic patients.
- Discontinuation of exenatide is crucial for patients presenting with acute pancreatitis.
- Further rigorous investigation is warranted to establish a definitive causal link and assess the incidence of exenatide-associated pancreatitis.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute pancreatitis is the sudden inflammation of the pancreas caused by the early activation of digestive enzymes, leading to the autodigestion of pancreatic tissue. This results in local inflammation and, in severe cases, systemic complications.EtiologyUnderstanding the underlying causes is crucial, as identifying the etiology guides treatment and anticipates complications. Acute pancreatitis can be triggered by various factors, typically grouped into the following clinical categories.Biliary...
01:27Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. It can be either acute or chronic.
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
01:21Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis centers on injury to pancreatic acinar cells, which initiates a cascade of harmful intracellular events.This injury leads to premature activation of trypsinogen to trypsin in the pancreas. Trypsin then activates other digestive enzymes, such as chymotrypsin, elastase, and phospholipase A2, which begin breaking down pancreatic tissue. The resulting autodigestion causes local inflammation, tissue swelling, hemorrhage, and fat necrosis.Injured acinar cells...
01:30Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Acute pancreatitis presents a complex medical emergency characterized by rapid onset inflammation of the pancreas, demanding timely diagnosis and management to prevent complications. The condition primarily manifests through severe upper abdominal pain that often radiates to the back. This pain intensifies following the consumption of fatty foods. Accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, fever, dyspnea, cyanosis, and jaundice can vary in intensity but significantly...
01:25Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Chronic pancreatitis is a long-standing, relapsing inflammation of the pancreas, characterized by irreversible damage to the gland. It results in progressive destruction of the pancreatic parenchyma, fibrosis, and eventual loss of both exocrine and endocrine function. The disease may evolve gradually after multiple episodes of acute pancreatitis or develop independently.EtiologyChronic pancreatitis can arise from a variety of causes:Alcohol use is the leading cause, accounting for 70–80% of...
01:24Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
The pancreas, an elongated and flat gland situated behind the stomach, serves a vital function in digesting food and managing blood sugar levels.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...